Australian Inventions Number Two Quiz

Answer: Surf ski

The humble little surf ski originated from the need to have a flotation device that would be easier to manoeuvre in the waters of the family's oyster farm, rather than the small boats they were then using. From that it was a logical progression to begin using the surf ski for enjoyment in the beautiful waters around Port Macquarie.

Answer: A tank

This amazing invention was described as "a chain rail vehicle which could be easily steered and carry heavy loads over rough ground and trenches". Though his initial idea was rejected, de Mole continued to submit proposals of this kind to the War Office. Finally, he was acknowledged as the inventor of the Mach I Tank by the government and given 987 pounds sterling for his pains. Rather more dubiously, he was officially made an army honorary corporal, which seems just a tad incongruous somehow. This rank, just two steps higher than a private, is hardly what one would exactly describe as dazzling.

Answer: To get her pigs to market on Mondays

The ute's design was eventually put down on paper by one Lewis Bandt of Victoria, who worked for the Ford Motor Company. It used an ordinary passenger base, had a two door cabin at the front, and an open transport section at the back for transporting various goods. And to think it all sprang from the mind of a little unnamed farmer's wife from Geelong who just wanted to get her pigs to market.

Answer: Zinc Cream

The beaches of Australia and the sports grounds of its spectators and players have been filled ever since by faces adorned with coloured streaks across noses or around lips. Zinc cream was first produced by Fauldings Pharmaceutical Company. It was initially available only in white, but now is sold in other colours as well.

Answer: The Splayd

The splayd is a simple metal utensil which incorporates a fork, spoon and knife all in the one. The gentlemanly William McArthur noticed how difficult it was for ladies to use ordinary utensils at barbecues as well as balancing plates on their laps. The mighty splayd was the result. Australia has many, many barbecues all year long, whenever the weather permits.

It's a national pastime and gets families out into the fresh healthy outdoors. We tend to use any excuse whatsoever in this country as an opportunity to have a "barbie".

Answer: Solar hot water

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) team that came up with this invention was headed by one Roger N. Morse. Today in Australia, given the rising costs of our electricity bills, more and more homes can now be seen with these solar hot water devices fitted to their roofs.

The concept really was impressive - simple, practical and financially sensible all at once.

Answer: Permanently creased woollen fabric

Dr Farnworth also worked at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), bless his little woollen socks. His invention has saved busy housewives endless hours of ironing ever since.

Answer: Black box flight recorder

The black box flight recorder is a device placed in all aircraft which can be used in any investigation into aircraft accidents. They are designed to withstand great forces and extremely high temperatures and come equipped with underwater locator beacons. Why they are called black boxes when they're actually orange in colour is debatable, but it is believed to be because the inside of the machine when closed is pitch black. Just as a matter of interest, another Australian, one Jack Grant, who worked for QANTAS, came up with another aeronautical invention in 1965. That was the inflatable escape slides that also double as rafts that spring out from the sides of planes in the event of an emergency evacuation.

Answer: The bionic ear

The bionic ear, which creates the perception of sound, is a small electronic device implanted deep within the ear of severely hearing-challenged people. This wonderful little invention, which will only grow more and more sophisticated with time, has brought the gift of sound into a world of lonely silence.

Answer: Spray-on skin

This is an absolutely excellent and most impressive treatment used for burns victims. It has reduced the time for the body to produce enough cells to cover major burns from 21 to five days. It has also greatly reduced the incidence of burn scarring. Wood began working on her idea with another scientist, Marie Stoner, following the admission into her hospital of a man suffering petrol burns to 90% of his body. Tissue engineering is now one more remarkable advance in the world of scientific discovery, taking humanity forward into tomorrow.